Hardship License (RDP), License Reinstatement

Getting your Illinois Driver’s License back requires three steps. First, either a hearing or a court appearance is required to unwind what previously occurred. Once the state has revoked or suspended your license, Attorney Young can assist you in obtaining an Illinois Hardship License, or Restrictive Driving Permit (RDP). The process for obtaining an Illinois Hardship License involves a hearing before the Illinois Secretary of State.

There are two types of hearings: formal and informal. A person must request a formal hearing when the state revokes their license for more serious offenses. For example, if a person has had two or more DUIs, a formal hearing is required. If someone has had one conviction for DUI (no prior court supervision for DUI), then an informal hearing is required.

Preparing for Hearings:

The most typical formal hearing involves a person with two or more prior charges of DUI. The process to get a person ready for the hearing usually requires several meetings with me. Up to five meetings might be necessary for a formal hearing. I have to meet with you so many times because when we attend the hearing, we must present our case. The court clerk will swear you in, and you will be my only witness. I will ask you between 100 and 150 questions. When we meet to get ready for the hearing, I will review these questions with you. We will also do two practice hearings. I will not take you to a hearing unless I feel you are 100% ready, as I have no interest is seeing you fail.

I record our review sessions and send you home with the tape recorder to review the questions and answers. My goal is to not only teach you the questions and review the answers but work with you in a meaningful way to teach you why the correct answer is the right answer. In order for us to present a quality presentation at the hearing, and have the best chance possible at winning, I work closely with you.

I will handle every aspect of your hearing myself. Having been an Attorney for over 23 years and having represented individuals at formal hearings for over 20 years, I know what the Secretary of State expects from you in order to allow you back on the road.

License Revocation:

The state can revoke a driver’s license for many reasons. The most common reasons are having two or more charges and/or dispositions of driving under the influence on your record. Other common reasons include the state convicting you of a felony involving a motor vehicle. For example, consider the case of someone who the state charges with possessing drugs in a car. In this case, the possession of illegal drugs is the felony. And because the person was transporting the drugs in the vehicle, the state views the person as using the vehicle to help commit the felony.

A person having two or more driver’s licenses is another reason for the state to revoke a license. The most typical case is where someone obtains a driver’s license using false information or another person’s social security number. When the person obtains status to be in the United States, they then go and obtain a driver’s license with their real name and social security number. The Illinois Secretary of State uses computer software that examines driver’s licenses and identifies individuals who look similar. If the Illinois Secretary of State matches what appears to be the same individual using two driver’s licenses, they revoke the license and the Illinois Secretary of State police become involved.

As your attorney, I will represent you if the state revokes your license for any reason and assist you in getting the state to reinstate your license. I offer a free consultation, and I can explain in much greater detail all of the steps I take to help you get back on the road. Telephone consultations or in-person appointments are available.